Global Bass Online December 2001
Global Bass Online December 2001
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by
Lucas Pickford Eddie Gomez is one of my
favorite acoustic bass players in all of jazz. He came to prominence in the
60’s as part of the Bill Evans trio. I recall Eddie telling a semi-humorous
story about how Miles Davis approached him to join his group for a tour but due
to obligations to Evans’ trio he had to turn it down. Not many people have turned down a gig with Miles but it
proved to be the best thing for Eddie because he really made his name with Bill
Evans and was such and integral part of the trio both as a soloist and as an
accompanist. This solo on “Pools” is from a 1982 recording by the group
Steps Ahead that, along with Gomez, featured Michael Brecker on sax, Peter
Erskine on drums, Mike Maneri on vibes, and Don Grolnick on keys. Eddie shows
his fluid, horn like improvising ability especially in the bass’ upper
register. Much of this solo is written in treble clef to avoid the use of
excessive ledger lines. Don’t be intimidated by this. It’s a great chance
for you to brush up on your treble clef reading. Eddie makes use of modes,
pentatonic scales, and many of the other things we’ve explored in my columns.
My advice is to go through each phrase slowly and analyze which chord tones,
passing notes, and scale degrees are being used. This is like taking a lesson
with Gomez. Through his lines, he’s showing you the “Way”, to use a Zen
term. I suggest you follow him.
Enjoy.
Listen
to a MIDI version
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Stay
tuned, folks. Lucas Pickford's new CD, Blown
Fuse, will be out for Christmas.